Los Penasquitos Parking Area

We drove over thirty minutes to get here. The parking area next to a baseball field where we normally park was closed. We had to park in a lot specific to the park, for horse riders and trail users. We pulled up and the woman in charge of the lot (very short graying hair) said three dollars. She said in ones only because it was easier for them. Not knowing we would be forced to use a pay lot I told her I had a ten and a one dollar bill. She told me she COULD NOT BREAK A TEN. The lot is nearly full. Everyone is paying in ones but she couldn’t break a ten dollar bill. There were two cars behind me. That’s six right there. But she couldn’t do it. She also could not accept one dollar. She could not suggest anywhere else to park. Nowhere. She told us we would have to come back tomorrow. Seriously?! We just want to bike the park and we were told we cant because she prefers ones? We had the money! Not sure who’s in charge of the lot or the people running it but this was unacceptable and rude. This was the case of a lazy employee who couldn’t walk over to give us some ones so we could enjoy the park. Because of her we had to forfeit our afternoon, and the park lost two patrons. Shame on her!

I really liked this hike. I decided to park at the park and walk over to the trail. You can follow the signs towards the back of the park towards the Ranch house. There is a trail head there just follow the person hiking trail and then when you get to the main path turn right to hit the waterfall. I saw bunny rabbits all over the place and buds in the trees. The path is wide and clean. I followed the main path and the signs that led to the waterfall. The waterfall was a small stream but very beautiful. I recommend having a picnic at the waterfall there is a bench to sit on across the stream. If you want a leisurely 6 mile walk or even mountain bike this is a good beginner trail.

Great view of rainbows after a rain spurt!!! Plenty of random people here and a good overview of the canton below!!! Great place to meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature. Only limited parking but there is usually never anyone here: D

Another parking area off Calle Cristobal/​Sorrento Valley Road in which you can park to eat your lunch or get a view of Los Penasquitos Open Canyon Preserve.
About 10 parking stalls here — more than at the other area I reviewed (Sorrento Valley Parking Area). One way access, however, in and out. You can only enter and exit this area heading westbound.
A nice hidden spot to eat lunch or get a view of the canyon below.